Delete. Delete. Delete.

Manage Your Minutes

Make sure you're paying only what you need to be for your cell phone. "Remember that as the consumer you always have the right to ask for a better deal, and you might just get it," says Nicole Lapin, a financial expert and founder of Recessionista.com. "Review the last six months of cell phone usage to see how many minutes you're using on average." Adjust plan accordingly.

Avoid Emotional Shopping

"Never shop when you're hungry or unhappy," says Karen J. Pine, Ph.D., co-author of Sheconomics, a guide to finance for women. "If hungry you'll grab the wrong type of food. And when emotions are high, you're more likely to spend in a way you'll regret."

Try the "Time Value Money" Formula

Cutting back just a teensy bit now can result in mucho savings later. "Two cups of coffee per week at a specialty store could cost $500 per year," says Victor Ricciardi, a finance professor at Goucher College in Baltimore. Not ready to give up on that venti soy latte just yet? The great thing about the "Time Value Money" formula is that it can be applied to anything, from packs of gum to Pinkberry.

Cash Is Your Friend

Leaving your credit cards at home eliminates the ability to splurge. If you really, really want something, you'll at least have to think on it before returning with your card. Don't rely on debit either: go to an ATM and take out only the amount you can afford to spend that day.

Go Public

It might sound like a pain, but even in suburban areas public transit can be efficient—and more affordable than driving your car to work every day. "I'm not saying to trade in your car; I know this isn't an option for most people, especially not if you have children or live in a rural area," says Lapin. "But you can save some significant money and mileage on your car by opting for public transit for your work commute." Some companies allow employees to pay for their transit cards pre-tax, which means you'll save even more.

Change Your Plans

Sometimes we fall into shopping habits, just like we fall into eating habits. "If one day of the weekend has become a regular shopping day, plan other activities—fun things that don't take you near the shops or involve over-spending," says Pine. And don't forget to consider whom you're bringing along. If you've got a friend with a bigger bank account, plan to meet her after her trip to the mall.

Hit the Kitchen

Skip the takeout on your way home from work and head to the grocery store instead. "A basic and nutritious meal of rice, beans and fresh vegetables," says Lapin, "makes enough for a few days' worth of leftovers for less than $10."

Pay Off Debt

One thing you should be spending more on: debt, including mortgages, student loans and credit card bills. The more you pay each month, the quicker you'll be rid of it. "Even a small sum can make a big difference to your mortgage term," says Pine. What's more, as your credit card score improves, you can negotiate a better interest rate.